Explore research labs at leading universities worldwide — research fields and key papers at a glance.
Professor Yoonmook Kang's research lab specializes in advanced photovoltaic materials and devices, with a strong focus on hybrid and tandem solar cells, nanostructured absorber materials, and interface engineering for high-efficiency, low-cost solar energy conversion. The lab investigates novel materials such as CdTe nanorods, CIGS thin films, and titanium oxide-based passivated contacts to enhance power conversion efficiency and long-term stability. Key research directions include optimizing device architectures—particularly in bifacial and tandem configurations—while addressing reliability issues such as hotspot formation under partial shading and interfacial challenges in multijunction cells.
Professor Eun-Soo Choi's research lab specializes in cross-cultural psychology, with a focus on cultural influences on mental health, emotional expression, and psychosocial adaptation. The lab investigates how cultural contexts shape psychological well-being, somatization of distress, body image, and responses to global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Key research directions include the development and validation of culturally sensitive psychological assessment tools, emotion recognition in masked faces, and the role of parental support in adolescent mental health across East Asian and Western societies. The lab emphasizes translational research to inform mental health practice and policy in diverse cultural settings.
Professor Heeyeop Chae's research lab specializes in the development of advanced nanomaterials and optoelectronic devices, with a primary focus on quantum dot-based light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) and flexible energy storage systems. The lab explores solution-processed semiconductor nanostructures, particularly InP-based quantum dots, for high-efficiency and stable optoelectronic applications, while also advancing device architectures through innovative charge transport engineering. Additionally, the lab investigates 3D graphene-based nanostructures for next-generation flexible supercapacitors with exceptional mechanical robustness and electrochemical performance. Their work bridges materials synthesis, device physics, and practical applications in sustainable lighting and wearable electronics.
Professor Hyoungshick Kim's research lab specializes in network science and cybersecurity, focusing on dynamic and resilient network systems. The lab investigates models for information diffusion, anomaly detection in industrial and IoT environments, and secure authentication frameworks for emerging technologies like drones and the Internet of Drones. A central theme is developing lightweight, efficient, and scalable solutions for real-world deployment under security and performance constraints. The lab also explores strategic network attacks and defenses with cost-aware models to enhance system resilience.
Professor Kihyung Lee's research lab specializes in advanced internal combustion engine technologies, focusing on low-emission and high-efficiency combustion systems. Key research directions include two-stage and controlled autoignition (CAI/HCCI) combustion, high-pressure fuel injection systems, and spray dynamics in direct-injection engines. The lab investigates fundamental spray characteristics, such as droplet size, velocity, and impingement behavior on hot surfaces, to optimize combustion and reduce NOx and soot emissions. The work also addresses real-world driving cycle impacts on fuel efficiency and emissions, particularly under WLTP conditions.
Professor Youngmoon Lee's research lab specializes in intelligent systems and embedded technologies with a focus on real-time resource and thermal management in high-performance computing environments, particularly in automotive and healthcare applications. The lab develops advanced deep learning and IoT-based solutions for early disease detection, including monkeypox and pulmonary embolism, leveraging sensor data and edge intelligence. It also investigates environmental monitoring using satellite data for disaster assessment, such as drought and flood analysis. The lab emphasizes the integration of AI, edge computing, and secure communication in critical infrastructure and medical systems.
Professor Hidetoshi Eguchi's research lab specializes in hepatobiliary and pancreatic oncology, with a primary focus on understanding the molecular and clinical factors influencing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence. The lab investigates the impact of hepatitis virus types—particularly hepatitis B and C—on long-term postoperative outcomes, aiming to develop virus-specific strategies for recurrence prevention. Their work integrates clinical data with molecular analysis to improve patient stratification and personalized treatment approaches in HCC. The lab also explores the role of chronic inflammation and viral persistence in tumor progression.
Professor Haixin Guo's research lab specializes in sustainable catalysis and biomass conversion, focusing on the development of advanced functional materials for the efficient transformation of renewable biomass into high-value chemicals and biofuels. Key research directions include the design of heterogeneous acid catalysts—such as superparamagnetic carbonaceous materials and perovskite oxides—for cellulose and carbohydrate conversion, as well as the use of ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents in selective reactions like the production of 5-HMF and 5-EMF. The lab also investigates environmentally friendly processes for lignin removal and sugar release from lignocellulosic biomass, emphasizing catalyst recyclability and green solvent systems. Their work integrates materials synthesis, catalytic mechanism studies, and sustainability assessment to advance biorefinery technologies.
Professor Shinichiro Nakajima's research lab specializes in neuropsychiatry and neurophysiology, focusing on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying major depressive disorder (MDD) and schizophrenia (SCZ). The lab employs non-invasive brain stimulation techniques—particularly transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) combined with EMG or EEG—to investigate cortical excitatory/inhibitory balance and neuroplasticity in psychiatric disorders. A key research direction involves using TMS-EMG and TMS-EEG to identify objective neurophysiological biomarkers for MDD and SCZ, aiming to validate emerging pathophysiological hypotheses such as the E/I imbalance and neuroplasticity theories. The lab also explores how cognitive reserve, particularly education, may influence brain structure and resilience in the context of neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions.
Professor Jinhee Kim's research lab specializes in transportation behavior, choice modeling, and sustainable mobility, with a strong focus on understanding how social networks, personal attitudes, and contextual factors influence travel decisions. The lab develops advanced econometric models—particularly hybrid and latent class models—to capture individual heterogeneity and nonlinear utility structures in mode choice and car-sharing behavior. Research also emphasizes stakeholder uncertainty and cultural influences in transportation planning, especially in urban contexts like Seoul, where eco-friendly transit systems are being developed. The lab integrates behavioral theory with empirical data to support evidence-based policy design.
Professor Jinkee Hong's research lab specializes in the design and fabrication of advanced functional nanomaterials and multilayer thin films using layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly techniques. The lab focuses on developing smart, stimuli-responsive coatings for biomedical applications—particularly controlled drug delivery systems with sequential or programmable release of therapeutics—while also exploring applications in energy storage, microwave absorption, and nanodevices. Key innovations include the use of graphene-based materials (e.g., GO, rGO) and inorganic nanoparticles (e.g., ferrite) to engineer films with tunable electrical, mechanical, and degradation properties. The lab integrates materials science, nanotechnology, and biomedicine to create multifunctional platforms for healthcare and defense technologies.
Professor Jae W. Hahn's research lab specializes in advanced photonic and plasmonic materials for stealth technology, sensing, and nanofabrication. The lab focuses on designing multispectral and multiband electromagnetic absorbers, plasmonic resonators, and metasurfaces for infrared stealth and camouflage applications. It also develops cutting-edge optical sensing systems, such as cavity ringdown spectroscopy with novel laser coupling techniques, and explores the fundamental limits of plasmonic lithography for nanoscale patterning. The integration of materials science, nanophotonics, and biomedical applications—particularly in pharmacokinetics under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation—demonstrates the lab’s interdisciplinary approach.
Professor Minah Seo's research lab specializes in terahertz (THz) science and nanophotonics, focusing on the design and application of functional metamaterials and 2D nanomaterials for ultra-sensitive sensing, dynamic control of electromagnetic waves, and advanced THz imaging. The lab pioneers the integration of materials like VO₂, MXene, and graphene with nanostructured resonators to achieve unprecedented control over THz wave manipulation, including dynamic tuning, field enhancement, and shielding. Key research directions include label-free biomolecular detection, real-time monitoring of trace hormones, and sub-wavelength characterization of light flow in plasmonic and metamaterial systems. The lab's work bridges fundamental nanophotonics with practical applications in medical diagnostics, environmental sensing, and next-generation electronics.
Professor Ji Yun Noh's research lab specializes in infectious disease epidemiology, with a focus on respiratory viruses including influenza and SARS-CoV-2. The lab investigates the impact of public health interventions—such as social distancing and infection control measures—on viral transmission dynamics and epidemic patterns. It also conducts serosurveillance to assess population-level immunity and disease burden, contributing critical insights for pandemic preparedness and hospital infection control strategies.
Professor Ki-Chul Sung's research lab focuses on cardiovascular and metabolic epidemiology, with a strong emphasis on identifying early biomarkers and modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and metabolic disorders in Asian populations. The lab investigates the role of low-grade inflammation, iron metabolism, adiposity markers, and lifestyle factors such as physical activity and alcohol intake in predicting subclinical atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, and long-term CVD outcomes. A key focus is adapting Western-derived risk thresholds—such as C-reactive protein and albuminuria levels—to better reflect the true risk in East Asian populations, where baseline levels often differ. The lab integrates clinical, metabolic, and imaging data to improve risk prediction and early intervention strategies in chronic disease prevention.
Professor Yeon-Ju Kim's research lab specializes in the development and application of biogenic nanoparticles using natural plant extracts, with a focus on sustainable and eco-friendly synthesis methods. The lab investigates the biomedical and cosmetic potential of plant-capped nanoparticles, particularly those derived from *Dendropanax morbifera* and *Panax ginseng*, exploring their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and multifunctional properties. Additionally, the lab examines the role of beneficial microbes in enhancing plant stress tolerance, particularly under salinity stress, contributing to agricultural sustainability. The integration of natural products with nanotechnology and environmental health is a central theme in their interdisciplinary research.
Professor Rumi Ueha's research lab focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying age-related olfactory dysfunction, with a particular emphasis on the role of stem cell dynamics and neuroinflammation in the olfactory epithelium. The lab investigates how aging affects olfactory receptor neuron regeneration and the microenvironmental changes involving cytokines, neurotrophins, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Additionally, the lab explores clinical implications of dysphagia in the context of viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2, especially concerning aerosol transmission risks during swallowing assessments. Their work bridges basic science and clinical otolaryngology, aiming to improve outcomes in aging and post-infectious disorders.
Professor Nobuhito Mori's research lab specializes in coastal and ocean engineering, with a primary focus on tsunami hazard assessment, storm surge modeling, and extreme wave climate prediction under climate change. The lab conducts large-scale field surveys and numerical simulations to understand the dynamics of extreme water waves, including tsunamis and typhoons, and their impacts on coastal regions. It also develops advanced measurement techniques for turbulent and bubbly flows, enhancing data accuracy in hydraulic and environmental studies. The lab's work integrates observational data, numerical modeling, and theoretical frameworks to improve disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
Professor Minoru Osada's research lab specializes in the synthesis, characterization, and application of two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets derived from layered oxides, with a focus on their electronic, dielectric, and magnetic properties. The lab pioneers the development of high-κ dielectrics and spintronic materials using exfoliated nanosheets such as titania and perovskite (e.g., Ca2Nb3O10), enabling atomically precise heterostructures for next-generation nanoelectronics. Key research directions include overcoming size-induced dielectric degradation in thin films, engineering functional oxide heterostructures, and exploring room-temperature ferromagnetism in oxide nanosheets for magneto-optical and spintronic devices.
Professor Taishi Takenobu's research lab specializes in organic and carbon nanomaterial-based optoelectronic devices, with a focus on high-performance single-crystal organic field-effect transistors, light-emitting transistors (LETs), and transparent flexible thin-film transistors. The lab pioneers the development of ambipolar light-emitting transistors using organic single crystals and single-walled carbon nanotubes, achieving high mobility, excellent luminescence, and robust performance under high current densities. Key innovations include edge emission control, current-density-dependent spectral tuning, and inkjet-printed, all-printed SWCNT transistors with ionic-liquid dielectrics, advancing the path toward electrically driven organic lasers and flexible plastic electronics.
